Stephen Chugg fights Mackay caravan agent over repair bill

A father of six who turned to couchsurfing post Cyclone Debbie says he has been overcharged by $24K for repair work to a caravan he now fears is unroadworthy.

Stephen Chugg and wife Marie Chugg in front of their 1995 Toyota Prado. The homeless couple launched court action to get their caravan back from a local caravan repair business, Pacific Palms RV Caravans. Picture: Andrew Kacimaiwai

For father-of-six Stephen Chugg, a homeless situation has worsened into a “nightmare”.

The former road train operator is battling to get his caravan back after he says he was overcharged about $24,000 for repair work that may have left it unroadworthy.

But the repair agent says they are still owed $20,000.

“This has turned into a nightmare,” Mr Chugg, who is currently couch surfing with his family, said.

Homeless since Cyclone Debbie six years ago, Mr Chugg sent his 18-foot pop-up caravan to a Mackay business four months ago for repairs and renovations, including the installation of two bunk beds.

“We agreed to a $12,000 valuation for repairs and paid $11,000 upfront,” Mr Chugg said.

“Then we (ended up paying) $14,400 because of the cost of repairs.

“Then we got hit with a bill for another $22,000.

Stephen Chugg and wife Marie Chugg in front of their 1995 Toyota Prado. Picture: Andrew Kacimaiwai

“He said this was how much we owed.

“We had agreed to a budget and told him not to go over it.”

Mr Chugg said he had done some research, including an ASIC check, before he sent his caravan to the repairer.

He said the business was the only one he could find available to carry out the repairs, and he had now engaged legal help to secure the release of his caravan.

“I went to the company with a lawyer’s letter asking them to release it but the company refused,” Mr Chugg said.

“Then he sent me an email accusing me of running his company into the ground.”

Stephen Chugg and wife Marie Chugg in front of their 1995 Toyota Prado. Picture: Andrew Kacimaiwai

Mr Chugg said his concerns intensified once he received images of his caravan via email, after which he shared the photographs with other caravan repair agents who in turn identified issues.

“It looks overweight and not very roadworthy. He may have destroyed our home,” he said.

“The old cladding was not replaced but new cladding placed over the top.”

Mr Chugg also revealed he was trying to buy another caravan but remained uncertain about his prospects.

He said he was trying to get a mediation hearing set down for February.

A spokesman for the business involved said Mr Chugg still owed $20,000, and the cost of the work had not been covered by insurance.

He declined to comment further.